Housed in a grand, 17th century, baroque building in the main square of Carovigno, Già Sotto l’Arco is run by the husband and wife team of Teodosio and Teresa Buongiorno. Managed by Teodosio’s family since the 1950s, Già Sotto l’Arco was well-known locally for its superb wine collection and traditional cooking. After sampling the creations of Italy’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants, head chef Teresa was inspired to turn her family restaurant into her own gourmet destination.

In contrast to the restaurant's classic surroundings, the food is contemporary and inventive. The small town of Carovigno lies in the region of Puglia, an area renowned for its abundance of fine ingredients which are put to the very best of use by Teresa and her team. Original, creative dishes feature throughout the menu, such as Pink gnocchi with pesto and ricotta, Burrata rolled in Kataifi pastry with unripe tomato sauce and the playfully titled ‘Eggs at the spa’ – sous-vide egg served atop a pea and parsley cream. Though the menu showcases Teresa’s contemporary style, there are also plenty of traditional influences, with guests treated to a fine selection of homemade breads on arrival.

The extensive 500-plus bottle wine list features wines from throughout Italy and beyond, but it is the local wines from Puglia that are especially well represented. Teresa’s husband Teodosio, an experienced sommelier, will gladly recommend wines to match Teresa’s elegant dishes. The restaurant staff, including the owner’s daughter, are friendly and knowledgeable and willing to make their own recommendations. Guests have a variety of tables to choose from, but the balcony tables, which overlook the square are the most popular, providing the perfect setting for a romantic evening.